In this first session of our three-part series, we will introduce the subject by a quick look at the relevant verses from the Torah in Sefer Shemot and Sefer Devarim. Then we will encounter an answer in the midrash to the question: why was it necessary to make this stupendous show of natural (and supernatural) forces at the time of the giving of the Torah? We will also ask how was it possible for all the members of the nation of Yisrael to have what seems to be a prophetic experience? And we will find a possible answer to this in the midrash. Finally we will drill down and examine the aspect of fire (and the concomitant smoke or cloud) that is repeatedly mentioned in the verses and we will attempt to see how a number of midrashim understand this phenomenon.
I have posted here some of the midrash sources for your convenience.